I was concerned to read that Ronald Brind, whose organisation uses the CS Lewis nature reserve in Risinghurst, Oxford, to conduct tours for American tourists, was disgusted' by the efforts of local people and the BBOWT wildlife trust to improve and enhance this beautiful but vulnerable site, Narnia under threat (Oxford Mail, March 31).

From the outset of this initiative, BBOWT have involved local people in the decision making, identifying problems, listening to concerns and organising working parties to clean up the area, remove non-native species and encourage appropriate use.

This is a long-term commitment which will benefit the reserve.

BBOWT has set up a local group called the Friends of CS Lewis Reserve and as a member of that group, I was working on the reserve when Mr Brind turned up with his customers.

The group of volunteers were removing bamboo with the help of a BBOWT team.

I find it insulting that someone, who doesn't live in the area and who apparently doesn't have a clue about conservation, can be so quick to resort to denigrating the efforts of the local community.

With the renewed interest in the Narnia stories, it is important that the site is managed sensitively, most especially for the wildlife that lives there, but also for the community of Risinghurst, who live beside it.

Dee Sinclair (Councillor) Quarry and Risinghurst Oxford City Council